Major updates for this 170mm travel rig

Pivot has hit a few out of the park recently. The Mach 4 and Mach 429 Trail were well-sorted bikes that were more capable than what their 115mm of travel would suggest. Pivot followed that up with the Switchblade, a 135mm bruiser with on-point geometry and versatile wheel size capabilities, which netted a huge sweet spot.

But what if Pivot actually blended all this new geometry and DW-Link suspension refinement with a bike that actually had significant travel? The Pivot Firebird is the answer with 170mm of front and rear travel. Now, we can actually find out what capabilities this platform can really handle.

Bernard Kerr tackles the bike park with the new Firebird.

What is it?

The Firebird now features Pivot Phoenix DH-inspired long reach measurements combined with a 65-degree head angle to deliver stability and handling.

For enduro racers, the tough and light Firebird’s climbing traction, descending capability, and good acceleration make it a good choice for the steep Enduro World Series course. For park riders, the Firebird’s long front-center and short chainstay combination provides that nimble, snappy feel that encourages bold line choices while staying fully in control at high speeds.

Pivot Cable Port system for easy internal routing of shifters, brakes and droppers and full Di2 Integration

Internal dropper post compatible

Cold forged alloy linkages with Enduro Max cartridge bearings

New quieter rubberized frame protection

Available in sizes S, M, L, XL for riders between 5’4″ to 6’7”

Geometry is long and slack.

Key Measurements

Taking a page from the Phoenix DH Carbon’s progressive geometry, the Firebird features some of the longest reach measurements we’ve seen. That’s combined with stubby 16.95” chainstays. The resulting long front-center keeps the front wheel in contact with the trail on the ups and gives the Firebird a well balanced, highly capable technical climbing ability over rough terrain.

When descending, the Firebird’s long and low geometry puts the rider “in” the bike for increased stability at high speeds and on steep technical challenges, while the short chainstay measurements provide a maneuverable, dynamic ride that makes it easy to put the bike where you want it.

The rear triangle is the stiffest bike now in the Pivot arsenal.

DW-Link Suspension

Dave Weagle, the brains behind dw‐link and Chris Cocalis, Pivot’s president and founder, collaborate on every Pivot suspension design. For the Firebird Carbon, they have created a bike that uses the best attributes of the dw‐link for improved downhill and climbing performance. With the dw‐link’s anti squat and variable wheel travel path, Pivot was able to optimize the Firebird’s rearward axle path in the first third of the travel to provide better square edge bump absorption (similar to the Phoenix DH bike) with pedaling efficiency similar to the Mach 6. This ensures that the new Firebird Carbon both descends and pedals well.

1×11 cassette with the new Shimano 46t cog.

Suspension Components

The Firebird is spec’d with the Fox Float X2 factory shock. This choice is based directly on feedback from our top racers – the Fox Float X2 air shock offers incredible control and a plusher feel allowing riders to go faster with greater confidence. The X2 shock features independent high and low speed compression and rebound adjustments, an EVOL air sleeve for coil shock-like sensitivity, Kashima coating and the X2’s new RVS (Rod Valve System) for damping control and a plush ride. Between the high low speed compression and rebound adjustments, as well as air spring and air volume adjust. The Fox Float X2 is highly tunable shock for the entire ranges of rider weights and course conditions. To match the Firebird’s rear suspension, Pivot paired it with the newest 170mm Fox 36 Factory boost fork.

Continue to page 2 for a comprehensive FAQ on the new Pivot Firebird Carbon »

The founder of mtbr and roadbikereview, Francis Cebedo believes that every cyclist has a lot to teach and a lot to learn. "Our websites are communal hubs for sharing cycling experiences, trading adventure stories, and passing along product information and opinions." Francis' favorite bike is the last bike he rode, whether it's a dirt jumper, singlespeed, trail bike, lugged commuter or ultralight carbon road steed. Indeed, Francis loves cycling in all its forms and is happiest when infecting others with that same passion. Francis also believes that IPA will save America.

Comments:

If I want to run a different brand of shock on my Firebird, what else do I need to know?
The Firebird shock uses M8 through bolt hardware on the front and no hardware on the rear. Shock spacer dimensions are 22mm wide front. On the rear of the shock, the spacer hardware and bushing will need to be removed as the strut mounts directly to the shock body. Some shocks may have a different spec then the Fox shock (that the Firebird Carbon is designed for) and may not fit properly. Also, as we cannot test every shock on the market, riders assume some risk if they choose a shock that does not fit properly or is not tuned correctly for the bike. The frame is designed around a large volume air can. We run medium compression valving and medium rebound damping.